20 year old Lance Corporal Alexander Pomar is far away in Iraq, but here in Gainesville he's become a role model for the first graders of JJ Finley Elementary School.

The twenty first graders in Ms. Pam Teague's class are about to send Pomar letters and photos expressing their appreciation for his service. In letter after letter, they had a number of questions for the Marine.

Student Jackson Delaney wanted to know if Pomar had ever driven a tank. Another student, Bradley Gorske, asked "Is it fun?"

Ms. Pam Teague says the project got started thanks to the marines' mother who is a close friend. She says, "The
letters are adorable to read but they also show how thankful they are
to people who are serving overseas."

The Marine's mother, Carla Hotvedt, visited and gave advice to the class on the importance of maintaining friendships. She says her son still keeps in touch with some of them while overseas.

Lance Corporal Alexander Pomar will be returning to Gainesville in April. He's been in Iraq since last September.